Working in partnership with the private sector could be the future for leisure centres in the Vale of Glamorgan.
A report recommending that the council seeks a partnership arrangement with the private sector to manage and improve the Vale’s leisure centres will be considered by the Vale council’s Cabinet next week (24 March).
The council provides a range of leisure facilities, including leisure centres in Penarth, Barry, Cowbridge and Llantwit Major.
The recession has caused a drop in the number of visitors to the leisure centres, despite considerable investment in facilities including new fitness suites at Barry and Penarth leisure centres. The opening of the international pool at Cardiff Bay, itself a privately managed facility, has also affected business. Like councils across the UK the Vale is facing serious budget pressures and the future investment needed in its leisure centres is not available from council funds.
Cllr Anthony Ernest, cabinet member for tourism and leisure, commented: “The council values its leisure centres extremely highly and we want to ensure that they continue to offer the best possible health and recreational opportunities to both residents and visitors.
In assessing future options for the council’s leisure provision, it has become clear that private sector management contractors may allow the council to reduce the cost of the service while offering improvements to the facilities. Importantly the private sector can take advantage of financial benefits that are not available to the council, such as business rate relief and VAT benefits.
“If Cabinet does agree to procure a partner organisation to manage the council’s leisure centres, it is expected that the employment of our leisure centre staff would be safe. We are reliably informed that the management of leisure services by specialist contractors can open up opportunities for staff career progression.”
